Kissing congressman won't run for re-election

Apr. 28, 2014
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Rep. Vance McAllister, R-La. / J. Scott Applewhite, AP

by Catalina Camia, USA TODAY

by Catalina Camia, USA TODAY

WASHINGTON â?? Rep. Vance McAllister, R-La., said Monday he will not seek re-election in November, after being caught on video kissing a female aide.

McAlllister, who was elected just five months ago in a special election, first informed The News Star in Monroe, La., of his decision. He will serve out this term, which ends in January 2015.

"I am committed to serving the 5th District to the best of my ability through this term, but I also have to take care of my family as we work together to repair and strengthen the relationship I damaged," McAllister said. He and his wife, Kelly, are returning to Washington later Monday.

McAlllister's change of heart on running again would bring to an end a scandal that blew up when The Ouchita Citizen, a weekly newspaper, posted security video on April 7 of the father of five passionately kissing his scheduler, Melissa Hixon Peacock. The security video from inside McAllister's office was taken two days before Christmas.

The congressman, who ran on a campaign of Christian values, previously told the Monroe newspaper that he wanted to stand for re-election in November "unless there is an outcry for me not to serve."

He has not been seen at the U.S. Capitol since the video surfaced. Congress returned Monday from a two-week break for Easter and Passover.

The outcry was unmistakable, with Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal leading Republicans in calling for McAllister to resign. House Speaker John Boehner offered a less-than-ringing endorsement of McAllister, telling reporters that the embattled congressman had a decision to make.

Jindal said in a statement that McAllister's decision "is a positive development."

"While we still believe the best course of action would have been for Congressman McAllister to resign so he can focus on his family, we are pleased Congressman McAllister and his constituents in the district can begin the process of putting this unfortunate situation behind them," Jindal said.

Leah Gordon, the McAllister aide accused of leaking the security video, resigned earlier this month. Peacock also no longer works for the congressman.

McAllister was previously best known for inviting Willie Robertson, CEO of the Duck Commander empire from reality TV, to be his guest for President Obama's State of the Union Address in January. Robertson was featured in a campaign ad for McAllister.